site.btaMetropolitan Arseny of Sliven Installed in Eparchy

Metropolitan Arseny of Sliven was solemnly installed in his see on Monday.

In the city's central square, Arseny was given a solemn welcome by his fellow metropolitans of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church, Sliven Mayor Stefan Radev, other municipality mayors, Sliven Municipal Council Dimitar Mitev, Sliven Regional Governor Chavdar Bozhurski, priests, monks and members of the public.

Addressing those gathered, the Metropolitan said that all clergymen and laymen in the Sliven Eparchy can rely on his pastoral love, respect and loyalty. 

Asked about his first actions in his new capacity, Arseny said that he will aspire to follow the role model set by his worthy predecessors. "Praying to the Lord and bearing witness to unity and love, I do believe that we will overcome all difficulties and ordeals that will face us in this heavy and responsible archpastoral ministry, supported by the clergy of the Sliven Eparchy," the Metropolitan said.

He was elected by the Holy Synod on May 26 amidst a heated controversy that put to a test the faith and humility of members of both clergy and laity. "I believe that the days of turmoil in the Sliven Eparchy are left in the past," Arseny said. "If there was a time to throw away stones, it has run out. As from today, we are starting to gather the stones and to use them as building blocks. I am confident that the coming time will be conducive to creative labours and spiritual joys," he commented.

At the St Demetrius Cathedral, his installation was followed by the first divine liturgy he celebrated as head of the eparchy.

Arseny is the seventh Metropolitan of Sliven since the establishment of the eparchy in 1873, after Seraphim, Gervasii, Ilarion, Evlogii, Nikodim, and Yoanikii.